All-metal power table for sewing machines



Dec. 12, 1939.

D. H. CHASON ET AL ALL-METAL POWER TABLE FOR SEWING MACHINES Original Filed June 11, 19:57

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Patented Dec. 12, 1939 UNITED STATES ALL-METAL POWER TABLE Eon SEWING MACHINES Daniel H. .Chason, Elizabeth, and Franklin A. Park, Jr., Westfield, N. J., assignors to The Singer Manufacturing Company, Elizabeth,

N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Substitute for abandoned application Serial No. 147,624, June 11, 1937. This application May 31, 1939, Serial No. 276,634

9 Claims This application is a continuation of our application Serial No. 147,624, filed June 11, 1937.

This invention relates to sewing machine power-tables and it has as its primary object to provide an all-metal power-table which will be rigid in construction; which will be relatively quiet during operation of the sewing machines thereon; which will not be affected by climatic conditions; which will be splinter-proof; which will be readily adaptable for sewing machines of various sizes; which will not feel cold to the touch of the operators arms; and which may be manufactured and installed at a minimum of expense.

With the above and other objects in view, as will hereinafter appear, the invention comprises the devices, combinations and arrangement of parts hereinafter set forth and illustrated in the accompanying drawings of a preferred embodiment of the invention, from which the several features of the invention and the advantages obtained thereby will be, readily understood by those skilled in the art.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a front elevation of a sewing machine powertable embodying the present invention.

FiFiglure 2 is a plan view of the front portion of g. Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectionaljview taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2,

with the upper portion of the sewing machine broken off.

Fig. 4 is a right end elevation of the powertable illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional View taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on the line 6--6 of Fig. 2 showing means for supporting the sewing machine independently of the table-top.

Fig. '7' is a sectional view taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a detail plan view of an adjustable framework for supporting a sewing machine and a powertransmitter.

Fig. 9 is a detail'plan view of a power-transmitter supporting plate, later to be described- Fig. 10 is a detail plan view of one of a plurality of interchangeable sheet-metal table-tops adapted selectively to be applied to the improved power-table and illustrating so-called wrinkle finish thereon.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line ll-l'l of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a view of a plurality of interchangeable cross-braces for the supporting framework shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged detail sectional view, taken substantially on the line l3|3 of Fig. 2, showing one of the machine hinges and the machine cushioning means which normally maintains the hinge parts out of contact with each other when the machine is in its operative position.

Fig. 14 is a detail View showing means for supporting one of the motor-controlling switch boxes from the sewing machine supporting framework. 7 7

Referring more specifically to the drawings,

this invention is disclosed as embodied in a sewing machine power-table comprising spaced H- shaped leg-sections L each formed of a pair of upright primary leg-members I, a cross-brace 2 connecting said primary leg-members, secondary leg-members 3 adjustably secured in the upper ends of the primary leg-members, and a crossrail 4, or 4*, secured to the upper ends of the secondary leg-members. The parts above mentioned preferably are made of sheet-metal channel bars, U-shaped in cross-section, and may be constructed and assembled as disclosed in United States Patent to'Eames, No. 1,695,419, Dec. 18,

1928. Arranged horizontally and connected at its opposite'ends to the cross-rails 4 and 4 of adjacent leg-sections, is a supporting framework F, shown most clearly in Fig. 8. This framework is adapted to support a sewing machine, S, a power-transmitter Pfor driving the machine, and a switch-box 23 which carries a suitable switch for controlling the electric motor of the powertransmitter.

In Figs. 1 and 4 of the drawings there is illustrated the so-called double trough-type powertable, i. e., a power-table designed to support a sewing machine at each side thereof and provided between the machines with a work-receiving trough T. It is to be understood however that the invention is also adaptable to single power-tables, i. e., power-tables designed to support sewing machines only on one side thereof. Inasmuch as the parts for supporting the sewing machine and its driver are the same, whether used on a single or double table, a detail description of one will sufiice. Likewise only one section of the table will be shown and described, it being understood that as many of these sections as desired may be coupled together.

The frameworkF is preferably made of channel-iron and comprises a front rail '5, having inturned end-portions 5 adapted to be fixedly diate the ends thereof, there is adjustably se-.

cured a cross-brace II, also of channel-iron. As shown most clearly by Fig. 8, the rails 5 and 1, the cross-brace H and the bracket l0 constitute a rectangular frame, designated as f, adapted to receive the bed of a conventional sewing machine. Referring to Figs. 3 and 13, it will be seen that the bed b of the sewing machine rests upon cushions 0 supported upon brackets l2 secured to the cross-brace II and the bracket l0 and wholly out of contact with any metal portion of the frame or table-top.

As above mentioned, the rail 1 is adjustably secured to the cross-rail 4 and to the bracket ID. This is effected by providing a series of boltholes 8 in the rail 4 (see Fig. 7) for the bolt 8 and a corresponding series of holes 9 in the bracket H] (see Fig. 6) for the bolt 9. Likewise the cross-brace l I is adjustable lengthwise of the rails 5 and I, a series of bolt-holes l3 (see Fig. 3) being formed in each rail to receive the bolts 13 which secure the brace to the rails. By reason of these adjustments the size and shape of the rectangular machine supporting frame may be varied to accommodate various sizes of machine beds. When it is desired to vary only the length of the machine supporting frame 1 this may be done by shifting the cross-brace ll lengthwise of the rails 5 and 1. Should it be desired to vary the width of the frame f, this is effected by adjusting the rail 7 on the cross-rail 4 and on the bracket Ill and substituting a different cross-brace ll of a length corresponding to the space between the rails 5 and 7, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 8. From the foregoing it will be perceived that the sewing machine is supported by the metal framework comprising the members 5, 1, II] and II.

To permit the sewing machine to be tipped backwardly for oiling, inspection or repair, the machine bed is provided with a pair of hinge elements l4 adapted to cooperate with a pair of mating hinge elements l5 secured to the rail 1. When the machine is in its normal working position these complemental hinge elements are maintained out of contact with each other, as shown in full lines in Fig. 13, the machine resting wholly upon the cushions 0. Therefore vibration in the sewing machine is not transmitted to the supporting framework through the hinges, but is absorbed by the cushions c.

Secured upon the tops of the cross-rails 4 and 4 and held in place by cleats I6. is a sheetmetal table-top l1, having, at its forward side, a down-turned flange I! terminating in a rolled edge l'l This rolled edge increases the rigidity of the table-top and forms a smooth edge for the protection of the operator. As shown by Figs. 2 and 10, the table-top is formed with a rectangular opening I7 of a shape and size to receive the bed I) of the sewing machine. The opening is slightly larger than the machine bed so that there is no contact between the two. The table top also is formed with slots N and I1 affording passages for the belt l8 which connects the sewing machine with the power-transmitter P. At its ends, the table-top is provided with semi-circular notches I! adapted to partially surround bolts (9 which pass through the cleats l6, cross-rails 4, 4 and plates 20, which engage the under side of the cross-rails, to clamp the parts together. The rear side of the table-top is formed as a downturned flange (1 (see Fig. 5) to which one edge of the sheet-metal worktrough T is secured, as by bolts 2!.

As shown in Fig. 4, the lower edges of the sheet-metal end walls t of the trough are spaced slightly above the bottor wall 75 thereof, thus affording an aperture 15 through which dirt, lint, etc. may be brushed when cleaning the trough.

Interposed between the under side of the tabletop and the machine-supporting framework F are a plurality of vibration-absorbing cushions 22. These cushions serve to support the mid-portion of the table-top and also to prevent such vibration of the table-top as otherwise might produce a resonance or drumming effect.

It is to be understood that any one of a plurality of sheet-metal table-tops, each cut out to suit a specific sewing machine, may be secured selectively to the cross-rails 4, 4 In addition to supporting the sewing machine, the framework F also supports the power-transmitter P, the switch-box 23 housing a switch 23 for controlling the electric driving motor of the transmitter, and the knee-control for the presser-foot lifting mechanism of the sewing machine. Straddling the rail 1 of the framework F is a sheetmetal saddle 24 having horizontally disposed feet 24 to the under side of which is adjustably secured, by bolts 24 a power-transmitter supporting-plate 25 to which one portion of the powertransmitter frame p is secured by bolts 26 passed through apertures 25 in the plate 25. Another portion of the power-transmitter frame is secured to a bracket 26 fixed to the bracket Ill, which forms a part of the framework F. As shown most clearly in Fig. 9, the power-transmitter supporting-plate 25 is provided with a plurality of sets of bolt-holes r, y and 2 adapted to receive the bolts 24*. This permits adjustment of the rail 1, and the saddle 24 carried thereby, laterally relative to the plate 25 which is permanently secured to the non-adjustable power-transmitter. The power-transmitter may be controlled by a conventional manually actuable treadle mechanism designated generally as m.

The sewing machine is provided with a presserfoot 5 and lifting mechanism therefor, designated generally as t, and knee-controlled means is carried by the framework F for actuating that mechanism. This means comprises a rock-shaft 21 journaled, adjacent one end, in a bearing formed in a hanger consisting of a down-turned portion 25 of the transmitter supporting-plate 25. Adjacent its other end, the rock-shaft 21 is journaled in a bearing provided by a hanger 28 secured to the front rail 5 of the framework F. A knee-treadle 29 is secured to the rock-shaft, intermediate its ends, and serves as means to oscillate the shaft. Also secured to the rockshaft, is an arm 30 (see Fig. 3) adapted to act upon one end of a spring-biased lever 3| fulcrumed, at 32, on a bracket 33 depending from the under side of the sewing machine bed-plate b. At its opposite end the lever 3! is connected with the presser-foot lifting mechanism t. Thus, by actuating the knee-lever 29, the operator may effect raising and lowering of the sewing machine presser-foot s. An arm 34, secured upon the rock-shaft 27 adjacent the bracket 28, is adapted to engage an abutment 35 provided by said bracket and thereby limits the oscillatory motion "of the rock-shaft in it's'presserr-foot lifting movement. It will be noted that the length of the rock-shaft 21 is materially greater than the distance between its supporting hangers 25 and 5 28. Therefore a substantial relative lateral adjustment may be made between the channel irons 5 and 1 without withdrawing the shaft from its supporting bearings.

The switch-box 23, which carries the switch for controlling the flow of current to the motor of the power-transmitter, also is carried by the front rail of the framework F. As shown by Figs. 1 and 14 the switch-box has attached to its upper end, .by bolts 23', an angle-bracket 36,

. securedlto the rail 5..by bolts 31.

As hereinbefore stated, one of the objects of this invention is to provide a metal power-table which will not feel cold to the operators arms. This has been attained by forming the table-top with a roughened upper surface providing an infinite number of relatively raised and depressed portions. With a surface of this nature there is obtained, between the arms of the operator and the table, what may be termed point contacts as distinguished from a surface contact as when touching a smooth surface. These point contacts absorb only a small amount of heat from the operators arms and therefore a sheet-metal table having this type of surface has a decided feeling of warmth as compared with the relatively cold feeling of smooth sheet-metal at the same temperature.

A surface of this nature may be obtained in various ways but preferably it will be obtained by 5 coating the metal with a paint adapted, in its drying operation, to produce a rough, irregular or so-called wrinkle finish. This finish, which heretofore has been used only for ornamental purposes, may be produced by coating the metal with a special type of commercial varnish, enamel or japan so made that when heat is applied thereto the surface dries first and further drying causes the coating to wrinkle, all as disclosed in U. S. Patent to F. B. Root, No. 1,689,892, Oct. 30, 1928. One commercial brand of paint which may be used for this purpose is Damaskene manufactured and sold by Flood 8r Conklin C0,, of Newark, N. J. In using this product satisfactory results are obtained by spraying the sheet-metal 50 with the paint and then baking it for about two hours at a temperature of approximately 350 F.

The resulting product, as illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11, comprises a myriad of hills w and. intervening dales w. The apexes of the hills afford the point contacts hereinbefore mentioned, which have a relatively low'coefiicient of heat conductivity.

From the foregoing it will be perceived that this construction provides an all-metal powertable for sewing machines which attains all of the objects of the invention, and which therefore affords great advantages over the combined wood and metal power-tables heretofore provided.

Having thus set forth the nature of the invention, what we claim herein is:

1. In combination, a sewing machine powertable comprising spaced leg-members, a horizontally disposed framework supported at its opposite ends by said leg-members, one element of said framework being horizontally adjustable relative to another element thereof, a table-top supported by said leg-members and provided with an aperture adapted to receive a sewing machine, a sewing machine mounted on said framework Within said aperture, and a power-transmitter adjustably: secured to the adjustable element of said framework and operatively connected with said sewing machine.

2. In combination, a sewing machine powertable comprising spaced leg-members, a horizontally disposed metal framework supported at its opposite ends by said leg-members and comprising an end-bracket and front and rear rails secured thereto, one of said rails being adjustable laterally, a metal table-top supported by said leg-members and provided with an aperture adapted to receive a sewing machine, a sewing machine mounted on said framework within said aperture, an electric power-transmitter adjustably supported by said bracket and the adjustable one of said rails, and operatively connected with said sewing machine, and manually actuable means carried by said framework for controlling said power-transmitter in all of its adjusted positions.

3. In combination, a sewing machine powertable comprising spaced supports consisting of vertically arranged legs and horizontally disposed cross-rails supported thereby, a horizontally disposed framework, comprising relatively adjustable members, supported at its opposite ends by said cross-rails and consisting of trans versely arranged and adjustably connected channel-irons, a table-top supported by said crossrails and provided with an aperture adapted to receive a sewing machine, a sewing machine mounted on said adjustable framework within said aperture, and a power-transmitter supported by said framework and operatively connected with said sewing machine.

l. In combination, asewing machine powertable comprising spaced supports consisting of upright legs and horizontally disposed crossrails supported thereby, a horizontally disposed metal framework supported at its opposite ends by said cross-rails, a table-top supported by said cross-rails and provided with an aperture adapted to receive a sewing machine, a sewing machine mounted on said framework within said aperture, said framework being adjustable in transverse directions to accommodate sewing machines of various shapes and sizes, and an electric powertransmitter supported by said framework and operatively connected with said sewing machine.

5. A power-table comprising spaced leg-members, a horizontally disposed metal framework supported at its opposite ends by said leg-members and adapted to support a sewing machine, one element of said framework being horizontally adjustable relative to another element thereof, a table-top supported by said leg-members and provided with an aperture adapted to receive a sewing machine supported on said framework, and a power-transmitter adjustably secured to the adjustable element of said framework and adapted to be operatively connected with a sewing machine carried by said framework.

6. An all-metal power-table for sewing machines comprising spaced metal leg-me'mbers, a horizontally disposed fabricated metal framework supported by said leg-members and adapted to support a sewing machine, said framework comprising a first channel-iron extending lengthwise of the table and connected at its opposite ends to said leg members, a transverse channeliron constituting a bracket having one end connected to said first channel-iron and having its other end offset and secured to one of said legmembers, a second channel-iron arranged substantially parallel with said first channel-iron and having one end connected to one of'said legmembers and its other end secured to said transverse channel-iron, a transversebrace connecting said channel-irons intermediate their ends, a sheet-metal table-top secured upon said legmembers and provided with an aperture adapted to receive a sewing machine, and a power-transmitter suspended from said framework and adapted to be operatively conected with a sewing machine supported upon said framework.

7. A power-table as set forth in claim 6 in which the power-transmitter is secured at one end to a bracket carried by said transverse channel-iron and at its other end to a saddle supported by said second channel-iron.

DANIEL I-I. CHASON. FRANKLIN A. PARK, JR. 

